Beats by Dr. Dre "Beats Studio Buds"
Equipped with the latest Beats original Bluetooth SoC
Beats' completely wireless earphones will be the second model following the "Powerbeats Pro" released in 2019. Beats Studio Buds (hereafter: Studio Buds) is a canal type (earplug type) that does not have ear hangers. It is equipped with noise canceling (NC) and external sound capture function (the function name of Beats is "external sound capture"). In addition to the classic Beats color of bright red, the classic black and white are available.
The chip for Bluetooth audio installed in Studio Buds is not Apple's, but Beats' original SoC (System On Chip). This not only allows you to use various linking functions with iPhone and iPad, but it is also important to note that we have deepened the linking such as one-touch pairing with Android devices, which will be mentioned later.
Supports USB-C charging.Play for up to 8 hours with earphones alone
Studio Buds can enjoy continuous music listening for up to about 8 hours with the built-in battery, and up to about 5 hours with the NC function turned on. Since it can be fully charged twice by the charging case, it is a calculation that can be used continuously for up to about 24 hours (when NC / external sound capture is off). The case does not support wireless charging, but Beats' unique fast charging "Fast Fuel" function allows you to enjoy listening for about 1 hour with a charge of about 5 minutes.
Following the "Beats Flex" (released in 2020) charging cable, Studio Buds is also USB Type-C. Benefits of reusing new iPad Pro / Air, Android devices and charging cables. However, when you're out for a long time, you'll need to carry two cables to charge your iPhone's Lightning cable and Studio Buds. Is it possible that the iPhone will adopt the USB-C terminal or change the specifications to the rumored "terminalless" in the future?
Compatible with both Apple and Google loss prevention functions
Recently, the loss prevention function of wireless earphones has been attracting attention. Studio Buds is Beats' first earphone that supports both search with Apple's "Find My" app and search with the "Find My Device" feature of the Android OS.
It is necessary to assume that the left and right earphones are lost when they are taken out of the case, but in the unlikely event that you can find them by beeping from the earphones by operating your smartphone. It's better to look for it in either case, as it can be lost in the charging case, but it may be the same as Apple's AirPods Pro.
Optimized driver for Studio Buds
Regarding Beats Studio Buds, I'm focusing on two points. The first is the "sound difference" from AirPods Pro and conventional Powerbeats Pro.
Studio Buds has a dynamic diaphragm made of two types of polymer materials with different hardness in a compact body. The caliber is 8.2 mm, which is rather large. A separate acoustic room is provided behind the housing that houses the driver, mainly for amplifying the bass range, to reproduce a well-connected and sharp sound.
Furthermore, due to the high computing power of the original chip, a kind of filtering effect algorithm processing is performed, and even if the NC function is turned on, the sound is not muffled and a clear sound is drawn out. The algorithm analysis process is performed at an amazing speed of 48,000 times per second, and it seems that it is possible to reproduce a sense of separation of stereo images and highly clear music. Sound impressions will be explained in detail later.
The first fully wireless "native support" for iOS / Android
Another point is high cooperation with both iOS / Android devices.
Beats has been under the umbrella of Apple since 2014, and has continued to introduce innovative products centered on portable audio. Previous products such as Powerbeats Pro have been equipped with Apple's original Apple H1 / W1 chip to realize attractive functions such as smooth pairing settings with Apple devices such as iPhone and iPad, handoff of music playback, etc. I did. These features are still available in the new Studio Buds. When used in combination with an Apple device, it is also an advantage that you do not need to install a separate application.
When using it on an Android device, you can install the "Beats" app on your device to operate the earphones and make detailed function settings in the same way as an Apple device. This is also very convenient because you can see the earphone setting items, battery status, etc. from the screen of the app.
Furthermore, when performing Bluetooth pairing with a smartphone equipped with Android 6.0 or higher, it supports one-touch pairing by Google Fast Pair. The one and only wireless earphones that can be used by both iPhone and Android smartphone users quickly and easily before starting music playback have been created.
Light and comfortable to wear.Operate with the b button on the side
Let's take a look at the detailed features and fit features of Beats Studio Buds.
Studio Buds earphones weigh about 5g on each side. The size of the charging case is a little larger than the AirPods Pro, but there is no big difference in the size of the earphones. However, Studio Buds is designed to pinch the back of the protruding housing and remove it from the case or attach it to your ear. The surface of the housing is a little slippery, so be careful not to put it on or take it off while walking around the station platform or the city, as it may cause it to be dropped or lost.
When attached to your ear, the "b button" on the side of the main unit faces straight and vertically. "Wearing Beats earphones" seems to be able to appeal to the people around you.
The left and right side panels look like touch sensors, but they are button-type remote controls that give you a comfortable click. You can switch between NC and external sound capture by pressing and holding, or start the voice assistant. However, it is a pity that there is no "volume up / down" that Powerbeats Pro supported by button operation.
The housing is a closed type. There is a small hole at the top that seems to have a built-in microphone. And at the base of the nozzle, there is a small hole to release the back pressure of the driver and bring out a comfortable listening feeling.
The housing with a soft curve on the side that touches the ears has a good fit. Combined with the included silicon earpiece, a certain high muffling effect can be obtained without turning on the NC function.
Enjoy the 3D audio of Apple Music smoothly
When Apple Music, Apple's music distribution service, plays content compatible with "Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio" started in June 2021 on iPhone and iPad, Studio Buds is also set to automatically switch to spatial audio playback. You can choose.
The main body of Studio Buds is the same IPX4 equivalent drip-proof as AirPods Pro. It's light and comfortable to wear, so it's an earphone that makes an outstanding performance in the sports scene.
Unlike AirPods Pro, Studio Buds doesn't allow you to use "eartip mounting test" or "spatial audio demonstration". In addition, the "Dynamic Head Tracking" function, which is currently supported by video content such as Apple TV +, allows you to hear the sound from the right direction even if you turn your face while wearing earphones. Is not supported. If you value the advanced integration of spatial audio, you should choose AirPods Pro.
What is the effect of NC / external sound capture? Check compared with AirPods Pro
Before checking music playback, try the effects of NC and external sound capture function.
NC uses Beats' original algorithm to optimize sound insulation performance for Studio Buds. With the effect of the attached silicon piece and the highly sealed housing, you can feel the effect of greatly reducing the disturbing environmental noise even when you are not playing music. It erased the fan noise of the air conditioner and the voice of crowded people in a well-balanced manner. I feel that Studio Buds has a higher muffling effect than the NC function of AirPods Pro.
On the other hand, the airPods Pro is superior in terms of the external sound capture function. When you turn on external sound capture on your AirPods Pro, you can hear the surrounding sounds clearly as if you removed the earphones. The external sound capture of Studio Buds is also good enough, and you can see the polite work of Beats engineers in the place where the way of hearing the sound does not change even if you switch to NC. However, because the original passive sound insulation performance due to the shape of the silicon earpiece and housing is superior, I feel that AirPods Pro is superior in the feeling of sound omission in the external sound capture mode.
The three modes can be quickly switched by operating the earphones, including the setting to turn off NC and external sound capture. It is a good idea to remember that the beep sound that you hear when the mode is switched is "NC if the tone is up", "capture outside sound if the tone is down", and "single note is off".
I think it would be even better if the voice guide could tell me the current mode settings. In addition, you can switch and check the settings from the Control Center or the Bluetooth settings of the earphones for iOS, and from the Beats app for Android. If you are an Apple Watch user, you can also switch the NC function of the earphone from the watch.
The deep bass unique to Beats is back!
I compared the sound of Studio Buds with the songs distributed on Apple Music. Bluetooth audio compatible codecs are AAC and SBC for Studio Buds as well as AirPods Pro. Playback of lossless content on Apple Music is currently not supported. For spatial audio by Dolby Atmos, for iOS, if you set Dolby Atmos to "Auto" from the audio settings of the "Music" app, the music that supports spatial audio will automatically switch to 3D music playback.
If AirPods Pro is attractive for its neutral balance, Studio Buds is more aggressive, rich, and has a lively sound with punch in the bass. It's a little quirky, but I'm completely addicted to this vibrant sound, and I'm re-listening to my favorite music with Studio Buds.
Before starting the collaboration with Apple, Beats by Dr. Dre's audio has revived the "powerful bass" that was unique. It is a deep bass that stimulates the back of the ear and leaves an impression that it echoes in the core of the body. I feel the depth of evolution in the place where the bass is clear and three-dimensional, with less harshness than the previous Beats sound.
From the original soundtrack of the game "Fantasian" composed by Nobuo Uematsu, "Great Battle" depicts a magnificent scene by the orchestra. I was overwhelmed by the power and breadth of the sound produced by this small earphone. The tight bass stabilizes the foundation, and the melody of the stringed instrument sings smoothly. The treble range of brass instruments such as trumpets and horns is very glossy, and you will be drawn into a gorgeous and luxurious symphony.
From the tribute album commemorating the 50th anniversary of Takashi Matsumoto's songwriting activity, in "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" sung by DAOKO, cool vocals float in the air softly, and the change in the sense of distance that returns like waves is recorded in Studio. Buds made me listen very comfortably. It is an earphone that accurately captures the movement of the sound image that moves in the three-dimensionally drawn space. The graininess of the piano is very clear, and it is also good at expressing delicacy and strength. The stable feeling that the beat with rich elasticity firmly solidifies the foothold of the performance was also wonderful.
Full cospa is attractive. Competing with the AirPods series?
Beats' first compact canal-type fully wireless earphone features a powerful and fresh sound that exceeds its size. The NC and external sound capture functions are highly complete, and other functions including iPhone linkage are well-balanced. The unique design that appeals to the surroundings that you are wearing Beats earphones is also a nice point for fans.
Since the full wireless earphones will be released for 17,800 yen, it can be said that a "terrible rival" has been born for the AirPods series and other companies' complete wireless earphones. With the advent of Beats Studio Buds, the area around fully wireless earphones is likely to become even more lively in the second half of 2021.
